Chapter Text
The port town south of Priestella stretched out before them, a quaint and bustling settlement nestled at the edge of the massive border lake. The morning sun reflected off the lake’s shimmering waters, casting a golden glow over the wooden docks, where ferries swayed gently in rhythm with the tide. The air was filled with the scent of fresh fish and damp wood, mingling with the laughter of merchants and dockworkers going about their day.
Subaru trudged down the cobbled streets, his steps heavy with weariness, Reina slumped over his back like a discarded cloak. Her arms dangled loosely around his neck, her rhythmic breathing a stark contrast to his labored one. His right eye twitched with barely contained irritation as he muttered under his breath.
“She made me fight every mabeast we came across,” he muttered. “Every. Single. One. And now she’s just napping like she didn’t just upend our plans because of one of her ‘visions.’”
Reina stirred, her head tilting slightly as she muttered something incoherent before sinking her teeth into the back of his neck—not hard enough to injure, but plenty hard enough to make him yelp.
“Ow! Hey! What was that for?”
Reina’s teeth lingered as she munched lightly, like a sleepy animal testing its bite. Subaru had half a mind to shake her off then and there, but as if sensing his intent she wrapped her arms and legs around him tighter, locking herself in place like an overgrown sloth. Her hold was alarmingly firm for someone who had been supposedly napping moments earlier.
“Perhaps if you focused more on walking instead of complaining I wouldn’t need to.”
Before Subaru could argue, Emilia walked up beside him, her expression filled with equal parts concern and exasperation.
“Reina, you really shouldn’t keep doing that to Subaru. He’s been carrying you for a while now.”
“And yet, he hasn’t dropped me. That means he can handle it.” Reina lifted her head slightly, regarding Emilia with half-lidded eyes. “Besides, if he did drop me, wouldn’t you catch me, Emilia?”
Emilia blinked at the unexpected question, then smiled gently.
“Well… of course I would. But that doesn’t mean you should take advantage of him.” She reached out and lightly poked Reina’s cheek. “You’re not being very fair.”
Reina scowled, puffing out her cheeks to an almost comical degree, her lips pursing in mock indignation.
“Fairness is subjective,” she muttered, her voice muffled against Subaru’s shoulder. “I think it's perfectly fair that my beloved little brother contributes to my honeymoon experience. Consider it sibling bonding.”
“Sibling bonding my ass! You’re just using me as free transport while Lyra gets to actually enjoy the honeymoon.”
He turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing at the serene figure of Lyra walking a few steps behind, hands clasped gracefully behind her back as she surveyed the town with a peaceful smile.
“Shouldn’t she be the one carrying you? You know, being your wife and all?”
“If I don't~ allow my darling wife to stock up on her little brother energy~ she'll be too irritable to properly enjoy our honeymoon~. You wouldn’t want Reina grumpy and brooding during such a special time, would you?”
Lyra fluttered her lashes, making Subaru groan, his head lolling back in exasperation. But before Reina could launch into another round of self-serving logic, a familiar voice cut through the squabble.
“That’s enough, Reina.”
Subaru felt Reina stiffen slightly against his back, her grip unconsciously tightening around his shoulders before she let out a dramatic sigh. Prylla, standing a few feet ahead with her arms crossed, fixed Reina with a level, no-nonsense stare that brooked no argument.
“You’ve had your fun,” Prylla said, her voice smooth but firm, the kind of tone that made it clear playtime was over. “But we have things to take care of before the sun sets, and I won't let you waste any more time lazing around on your brother.”
Reina huffed, propping her chin on Subaru’s shoulder with a pout. “But Mother…”
Before Reina could argue, Prylla clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Subaru, you’re with me. We’re going to secure a ferry for tomorrow’s crossing. The rest of you—find an inn, something decent and close to the docks. No one wanders off alone. Understood?”
Beatrice, who had been quietly observing the conversation with her arms folded and a small, irritated frown, perked up at Prylla's words. She tugged on Subaru’s sleeve.
“Why does Subaru have to go with you, in fact? Betty should go too. Who knows what kind of foolish deal you might get roped into otherwise, I suppose.”
Prylla raised an elegant eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint, bemused smirk as she regarded Beatrice.
“Because I need someone who looks pathetic enough to make the ferry owners pity us but not clueless enough to not mess things up too badly. Besides, Beatrice, I need you to make sure these two”—she gestured toward Reina and Lyra—“don’t charm Emilia into spending all our funds on some luxurious noble suite.”
Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms even tighter as she shot a suspicious glance at Reina and Lyra. “Hmph. As if Betty would let these fools squander our resources, in fact. Emilia, you mustn’t let them deceive you with their nonsense, I suppose.”
Emilia caught between the two parties, raised her hands defensively. “I-I won’t! I promise! But, um... maybe we should still find somewhere nice to stay? We’ve been traveling for a while, and a little comfort wouldn’t hurt…”
Reina's eyes gleamed with mischief. “Exactly, Emilia! See? You’re already thinking ahead. A wise leader knows when to prioritize the well-being of her companions.” She shot Beatrice a smug grin. “Isn’t that right, Beako?”
Beatrice’s glare could have set fire to Reina’s soul if looks had that power. “Don’t call Betty that, you annoying woman, in fact!”
“Enough with the stalling, alright? I swear, you guys could talk circles around each other for hours. Come on, Prylla, let’s go find that ferry before they rope Emilia into buying gold-plated pillows or something.”
Prylla nodded, turning on her heel gracefully. “Good. And Reina—try not to let anyone scam you out of our remaining budget.”
Subaru trudged after Prylla as they moved away from the group. He sighed, casting a quick glance over his shoulder one last time.
Sure enough, Reina and Lyra were already in full persuasion mode, their hands animatedly gesturing as they spoke to a wide-eyed Emilia. Beatrice hovered nearby, visibly restraining herself from pulling the two schemers away by their collars. Subaru could only imagine the headache Beatrice would have trying to keep them in check.
Subaru sighed heavily, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to Prylla, who was weaving her way through the streets. Subaru, on the other hand, found himself dodging merchants aggressively waving fish in his face and sidestepping dockhands carrying crates far too large for comfort.
“So,” he started, catching up to Prylla’s side, “do you actually have a plan for getting us on a ferry, or are we just winging it and hoping my ‘pity factor’ works out?”
Prylla cast him a glance, her lips curving into a sly smile. “A little of both. Information gathering first, negotiation second. You'll pull out the teary-eyed maiden routine if all else fails.”
“Please tell me you’re joking—”
“—Ah.”
Subaru felt the impact before he realized what had happened. He had walked straight into someone, the collision causing him to stumble slightly. Reflexively, his hands shot out to steady the person, only to be met with the sensation of silk-like fabric beneath his fingers. He blinked in surprise, his gaze settling on the woman he had accidentally bumped into.
Golden blonde hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing a face of delicate beauty marred only by the lack of emotion in her dark blue eyes. Despite her expressionless demeanor, she inclined her head in a polite nod.
“My apologies. I should have been more careful.”
She took a small step back, gracefully adjusting the hem of her pristine white dress. Her voice was soft, melodic even, yet devoid of any warmth or sincerity. Subaru opened his mouth to respond, but before he could—
“—It seems my wife has been careless again. I must apologize on her behalf. You see, she’s always so eager to stay by my side that sometimes she forgets to mind her surroundings. I’m sure you can understand that, yes?”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. It was just a little bump. No harm done.”
“—”
The man smiled beneath his hood as he stepped closer, his presence suddenly feeling far more imposing.
“I am glad to hear that. If you had been hurt… Well, that would have been truly regrettable, wouldn’t it?”
Subaru tensed but masked it with a slight shrug. “No harm done at all. It was a simple mistake, nothing more.”
The man tilted his head as if considering Subaru’s response, his smile growing almost indulgent. “I appreciate your understanding. Since you are here, I assume you are also seeking passage across the lake, yes? It’s a fortuitous meeting then, for we too are setting sail tomorrow. Should we meet again, it will simply be the whims of destiny bringing us together once more.”
“Yeah, I agree. Well, here’s hoping destiny makes our paths cross again in the future.”
Subaru’s eyes lingered on the strange pair for only a moment longer before Prylla tugged at his sleeve, redirecting his attention.
“Stop gawking,” she said in a low voice, her gaze flicking to the couple one last time before she turned on her heel. “We have our own business to handle.”
After several hours of haggling with various ferry operators along the docks, they finally secured passage with Captain Lars, a gruff but fair-minded man whose vessel had seen better days but still looked seaworthy enough. The price wasn't ideal, but it was within their budget, especially after Prylla's shrewd negotiating had talked him down from his initial asking price.
As they made their way back through the bustling port to find the others, Subaru couldn't help but feel relieved that at least one part of their journey was settled. Now they just had to hope that wherever Beatrice had managed to secure lodging for the night wasn't completely beyond their means—though given Reina and Lyra's persuasive abilities, he wasn't holding his breath on that front.
***
The ferry swayed gently over the shimmering lake, its rhythmic creaks blending with the occasional squawk of distant seagulls. The vast expanse of water stretched in all directions, reflecting the soft hues of the morning sky. The group stood along the deck, the breeze tousling their hair as they gazed at the distant horizon.
Subaru, however, was in no position to appreciate the scenic view. His face had turned a sickly shade of green, and he clung to the ship’s railing like it was his last lifeline. Each rock of the ferry sent another wave of nausea rolling through him.
“Ugh... this is the worst,” he groaned, clutching his stomach. “Why... did no one warn me about this?”
He shot the resident fortune teller a glare, she was leaning casually against the railing, looking as unbothered as ever. Reina met his glare with an innocent smile, twirling a strand of her brown hair around her finger.
“Oh dear, is my little brother not enjoying our delightful voyage across the majestic lake?”
Reina tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.
"I just thought you'd figure it out when I suggested you ‘embrace the gentle rocking of the lake’s embrace’ instead of stuffing your face with fish skewers at the docks.”
“Why do you always phrase things like you're a poetic executioner? Just say ‘You're gonna get seasick if you eat too much,’ and save me the suffering!”
Reina tapped her chin thoughtfully as if genuinely considering his words. Then reached into her chest and pulled out a sleek, familiar flask, offering it to him.
“Here, little brother. Drink this. It'll help.”
Subaru eyed the flask with immediate suspicion. He knew that flask. He knew it all too well. The sleek silver exterior, the subtle engraving near the lid—this was not some miracle cure for seasickness. No, this was Reina's personal stash of mayonnaise.
Subaru recoiled, eyeing the flask as if it were filled with pure poison.
“No. Absolutely not,” he declared, shaking his head vehemently. “I know what's in there, Reina. Do you think I'm falling for that? I’d rather throw myself overboard and let the fish finish the job!”
Reina gasped theatrically, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. “Subaru, how could you?” she pouted.
“Mayo is the ultimate cure-all! It soothes the stomach, calms the nerves and—”
“—And makes seasickness a hundred times worse! I love mayo, but even I have my limits, you devil!!”
Reina's lips curled into a wicked grin, her blue eyes dancing with amusement. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“Oh, Subaru, there’s no need to be so dramatic. Just one little sip, and you’ll feel... well, something.”
“Yeah, death, Reina! I'd feel death! Put that thing away before I—“
Subaru leaned over the railing, his face contorting in distress before he vomited over the side of the ferry, his body shaking with each heave. He wiped his mouth, groaning in misery.
With a delighted hum, Reina twirled the flask in her fingers before stowing it back into her bosom.
“Alright, alright, I won’t force it down your throat. But,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “if you’re turning down my patented remedy, there's only one other option left.”
Subaru shot her a wary glance. “And what horrible idea do you have now?”
Without warning, Reina cupped his cheeks, her grip firm but gentle, her face inches from his. Her lips puckered exaggeratedly, and a teasing glimmer shone in her eyes.
“A healing smooch from your beloved big sister, of course.”
“Nope! Nope, nope, nope—absolutely not! I’ll take the mayo! Give me the mayo!”
Emilia, who had been standing nearby, blinked in confusion as she approached.
“Subaru? What’s wrong? Why are you shouting?”
“He’s resisting my cure,” Reina sighed dramatically, her hands still cupping his face as she turned to Emilia. “It’s so sad. My healing touch could have solved all his problems.”
Beatrice, who had been observing with her usual unimpressed frown, huffed. “Honestly, in fact. Stop tormenting him, you annoying woman. Subaru is already miserable enough, I suppose.”
Subaru finally managed to break free, stumbling a few steps away before he slumped onto a nearby bench, clutching his stomach and muttering curses under his breath, Emilia gently patted his shoulder.
“You really don’t like boat rides, huh?”
“It’s not just the boat ride, Emilia. It’s the company.”
Prylla approached them, holding the map they had been discussing earlier. "If you're done fooling around," she said coolly, "we should go over our travel plans before we dock."
Subaru lifted his head, still looking pale but managing a weak glare at Reina.
“Right, and speaking of plans... where exactly are you dragging us off to on this so-called honeymoon of yours?”
Reina grinned, clearly pleased to have the spotlight on her again. She reached into her bag, rummaging for a moment before pulling out a neatly folded bundle of fabric. Revealing an elegant black kimono adorned with the striking image of a white wolf pierced by two crossed swords on the back.
Subaru's eyes widened in shock, his seasickness momentarily forgotten. “Hold on a second... That’s... that’s a kimono!” He shot Reina an incredulous look. “Where the hell did you get that? That’s Japanese!”
Reina raised an eyebrow, smoothing out the fabric with an appreciative look. “Japanese? No, no, dear brother, this is Kararagi craftsmanship,” she corrected, running her fingers over the intricate embroidery. “A gift for my fifteenth birthday back in Vollachia. I figured if we're going to be tourists, we should look the part, don’t you think?”
Subaru’s mouth opened and closed a few times as he struggled to find words. His mind reeled at the sight of the undeniably Japanese garment in his sister’s hands. “You—there’s no way! That design, the fabric, the embroidery—it’s way too on point! This is straight-up from home!”
Reina smirked, holding up the kimono against herself with a graceful twirl. “Oh, Subaru, your imagination is running wild again. I assure you, this is nothing more than authentic Kararagi fashion.” She patted the wolf motif on the back fondly. “Besides, don’t you think the Vollachian symbolism makes it fitting for a proud warrior like me?”
“Bbbppp...urrgh.”
Subaru's face twisted as a fresh wave of nausea hit him like a ton of bricks. His stomach churned violently, and he lurched back towards the railing, groaning in defeat.
Reina sighed in mock sympathy, tucking the kimono back into her bag with a flourish. “Poor little brother,” she mused, patting his back. “And to think, we still have to take a boat back after all this. What a shame.”
“I… blurrrgh.. hate you…”
“Oh, you wound me, dear brother,” she said with a faux pout. “But don't worry, by the time we head back, you'll be a seasoned sailor!”
“J-just... shut up...”
Ignoring his misery, Reina turned back to the group with a satisfied hum.
“Anyway, as I was saying before Subaru’s interruption—our itinerary is quite exciting! First, the Grand Mogolade Geyser, a natural wonder that’s often mistaken for a mere lake. They say it’s so deep it connects to the Great Waterfall itself.”
“—”
“The geyser is home to all sorts of aquatic life. Fish, perhaps even other creatures, thrive there in the warm waters, and we’ll have the chance to witness it firsthand! But that’s just the beginning.”
“—”
“Next, we’ll journey to the Cragrel Moving Forest—an extraordinary place where the trees don’t take root but instead move together as a single unit, shifting based on the wind’s direction. It’s a marvel of nature, one that you really have to see to believe.”
Subaru massaged his temples, groaning under his breath as Reina droned on with the enthusiasm of a tour guide who'd downed an entire pot of coffee. His head still swam from the rolling waves, each pitch of the ship dragging his stomach along for the ride. He tried to tune out her excitement, but phrases like “natural wonder” and “moving forest” kept slipping through, embedding themselves in his aching brain like stubborn splinters.
Then she dropped the real bombshell.
“The highlight of our trip—Banan’s grand library! I fully intend to read every last book in their collection.”
Subaru blinked, feeling a sudden shift from nausea to incredulity. His sister’s confidence in such absurd declarations was something he'd grown used to, but this? This was on a whole other level.
“That's utterly ridiculous, I suppose. Even Betty couldn't finish the entire Forbidden Archive in a hundred years, and you think you can read an entire Kararagi library in a few days, in fact?” Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms. “Your arrogance knows no bounds, I suppose.”
He couldn't help but chuckle bitterly to himself. Of course, she wants to read an entire library. Why am I even surprised? Reina's thirst for knowledge was as boundless as her appetite for mayonnaise. The thought of the two combined made his stomach lurch again.
Though his sister could pull off feats that defied common sense with a smug grin and an infuriating lack of modesty. If anyone could speed-run an entire library, it was her.
“Yeah, seriously, Reina. What, are you planning to sprout extra eyes and tentacles or something?”
Reina merely smiled the kind that suggested she was hiding some grand secret just for the drama of the reveal.
“Oh, Subaru. You always underestimate your Big Sis.”
“Okay, fine. Enlighten me. What crazy trick are you using this time?”
“Object Premonition,” she said with a glint of pride. “I have someone flip through the pages while I observe their future actions. Since I’m seeing the act in the future rather than in real time, I can read everything outside the normal flow of time. Neat, right?”
Subaru blinked.
Once. Twice.
Then, slowly, the gears in his head started turning—
“Wait. Wait. You’re telling me... you’re cheating reality by staring at some poor soul flipping pages in the future while your brain somehow processes it all like normal?”
Reina nodded, her expression exceedingly smug.
That... actually sounded cool. Too cool. Suspiciously cool. Against his better judgment, Subaru felt the tiniest spark of admiration bubble up within him.
“Huh. That’s... kinda impressive, actually.”
“Thank you, Subaru.”
Reina beamed, basking in the fleeting moment of praise. He glanced at Lyra who also looked overly smug.
Then, it hit him.
Subaru’s fleeting admiration shattered as realization dawned on him, horror blooming in his chest.
“Wait, wait, wait—don’t tell me you’re actually making Lyra flip through every single page? Like, physically? Are you seriously turning someone into your glorified page-flipping machine while you just... sit there absorbing all the knowledge like some kind of book-guzzling parasite?!”
Reina let out a long-suffering sigh, the kind she usually reserved for explaining things to people she deemed ‘hopelessly slow.’
“She doesn’t have to actually do it. She just needs to resolve herself to turn the pages. Once she commits to the action mentally, I simply observe her future and read at my own pace. No actual effort required on her part.”
“You’re telling me you can just... skim through an entire library by hijacking someone's mental intent to flip through it?”
“More or less. It also works for several other things. Such as reading books that haven’t even been published yet—if I can get my hands on the author.”
“You—! This is an insult to all librarians and bookkeepers, I suppose!”
For a brief moment, he was impressed again. Reina had somehow weaponized the power of procrastination and made it work in reverse. It was genius. Terrifyingly genius.
But then another thought hit him, and he turned to Lyra, who had been lounging comfortably nearby, listening with an amused expression.
“Lyra, you're okay with this? Doesn’t it... I don't know, drive you nuts to sit through that?"
Lyra stretched lazily, her purple hair cascading over her shoulder as she smirked.
“I don’t mind. We get to cuddle~ during it,” she said, shrugging. “Honestly, it’s nice~. I just hold the book and let my mind drift, and Reina gets all the fun of reading without interruptions. Win-win~.”
Subaru stared at Reina, waiting for the inevitable smug explanation that would, without fail, make him regret asking. And sure enough, his sister didn't disappoint.
Reina folded her arms and gave him a look that practically radiated superiority.
“You know, Subaru, I've already read the Forbidden Archive.”
Subaru blinked. “...What.”
“Before it was destroyed,” Reina added, her tone light, almost casual like she was discussing the weather. “I finished it a year ago. Back before the Royal Selection began.”
His stomach dropped. “Wait. What? You—”
“And not just that,” Reina continued, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a maddening level of nonchalance. “I’ve read through everything in Vollachia, most of Gusteko and Lugunica, and all the Witch Cult’s secret archives. Kararagi’s the final boss.”
“You’re... You’re telling me you’ve read all of that? Everything?”
Beatrice, meanwhile, stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“T-that’s impossible, I suppose! The Forbidden Archive was lost, in fact! There was no way to retrieve it, I suppose! You—you're lying!”
Reina chuckled, tapping a finger against her temple. “Oh, Beatrice. You should’ve paid more attention back then. All those times I sat in the library with you... Have you ever wondered why I was always patting your head?”
Beatrice stiffened, her cheeks flushing pink. “Wh—what does that have to do with anything, I suppose?!”
Reina smirked. “I was using my authority.” She raised a hand, gesturing vaguely. “Every time I patted your head, I was focusing on you—an anchor to the library, to the books. I used you as my guidepost. You helped me read every last page in that archive before it was destroyed. Thank you for your service.”
Subaru watched Beatrice’s mouth open and close, her tiny hands trembling at her sides. It was like watching a kettle build up pressure, and he knew exactly what was coming.
“T-that’s beyond unscrupulous, in fact! You—you used me to cheat your way through Mother's sacred texts, I suppose?! That archive was irreplaceable, the accumulation of knowledge beyond mortal understanding, and you—!”
Reina waved off Beatrice’s outrage with a casual flick of her wrist.
“Relax. It’s not like the knowledge was lost. It’s all safe up here,” she tapped her temple, “neatly categorized and ready for reference.”
Subaru rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a migraine. “Let me get this straight. You hijacked Beako to speed-run the entire archive... before you torched it?”
“Well, if I didn’t, those pesky insects would’ve chased us back to the Sanctuary before I was done. Though… I would have ended up destroying it regardless. The Witch Cult is in the business of erasing any trace of the Witches of Sin, after all.”
His jaw dropped. “You—you planned to destroy it all along?!”
“Naturally. I spent quite a bit of time hunting down relics from the old witches to destroy. A lot of it was far too dangerous to leave lying around. You know how these things go—if I didn't, someone else would use them for something stupid.”
Subaru was stunned into complete silence. His sister—his mayo-obsessed, bro-con, clingy sister—was possibly the most knowledgeable person alive, second only to Echidna, the Witch of Greed herself. And what did she do with that vast wellspring of knowledge? Did she seek power? Did she strive for world-changing innovations?
No. She used it to indulge in her obsession with him.
Emilia, who had been listening in wide-eyed awe, clasped her hands together, her violet eyes practically sparkling.
“Wow, Reina! That’s amazing! You’ve read so many books and even learned all that history! So cool!”
“It’s all for Subaru’s sake, of course. If I don't stay ahead of the game, how else am I supposed to guide my adorable little brother?”
Subaru groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “More like how else are you supposed to stalk me across multiple dimensions and parallel timelines…”
Before Reina could respond, Prylla, who had been quietly rummaging through a satchel, pulled out a worn, leather-bound book and held it up triumphantly. “And yet, for all your knowledge, Reina,” she said with a smirk, “you still haven’t figured out the true identity of your favorite author, have you?”
Reina’s brows furrowed as she squinted at the book in Prylla’s hands. The leather-bound tome was well-worn, the edges frayed from years of handling, and the faded gold lettering on the spine read: “A Sister's Love Transcends Time: How to Train Your Little Brother to Be the Perfect Husband in 365 Days – Vol. 4” by E.C. Hidna.
“That title... what the hell am I looking at?! And—wait a second—Vol. 4?! There are more of these?!”
Subaru's jaw gaped as Prylla gave her daughter an incredulous look while Reina tapped the tip of her foot on the deck looking like a puppy about to be scolded. Reina's eyes narrowed as she stared at the book in Prylla’s hand, a mix of confusion and slight unease creeping across her face.
“You… you can't be serious,” she muttered, reaching out as if to snatch the book from Prylla's grasp, only for her mother to hold it out of her reach with a raised eyebrow.
“Ever since she first ran into this series in Vollachia, I’ve been confiscating them, one by one. Though no matter how many I burn, Reina just finds more to add to her collection. I swear she has a never-ending supply of this trash.”
Reina's face reddened, a faint blush of embarrassment creeping across her features as her eyes flicked from the book in Prylla's hands to the surrounding group. Her posture stiffened as she crossed her arms, clearly trying to maintain her composure.
“You—you’re exaggerating, Mother. I—I don’t have a collection,” Reina stammered, her voice defensive, though the slight flicker of guilt in her gaze betrayed her. “And anyway, it’s not like every book by E.C. Hidna is like that... There are some—um—very educational ones, too. And—uh, besides, I haven’t really read them all.”
“Yes, true works of art such as 'Sibling Marriage: A Tradition We Should Bring Back’ ‘A Little Brother’s Duty: One Child a Year Keeps the Cheer’ and ‘How to Prevent Silver-Haired Brother Thieves from Stealing Your Little Brother’s Heart’,” Prylla continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she listed off more ridiculous titles. She glanced over at Subaru with a dead stare. “‘The One-Hundred Little Brothers that Really, Really Love Their Big Sis.’ And other assorted garbage.”
Subaru's face twisted in confusion and embarrassment as he glanced at Reina, who was now visibly squirming in place, a deep flush coloring her cheeks.
“R-Reina... What... the hell am I even hearing right now?” Subaru’s voice cracked as he stared at Reina in sheer disbelief, his face contorting with a mixture of horror and second-hand embarrassment. “You—this—why? How? And most importantly—why?!”
Reina’s eyes darted around the deck, searching desperately for an escape route. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling slightly before she grabbed the offending book from Prylla’s hands with a burst of panicked energy.
“Y-you've all seen enough!”
And then, without a second thought, she hurled the book overboard with all the force she could muster.
Subaru watched the book arc gracefully through the air, tumbling into the waves with an almost poetic splash.
If only it were that easy to erase this entire conversation from existence.
He sighed heavily, leaning back against the railing with a groan.
“That doesn't change anything, Reina,” he muttered. “We all saw it. We all know. There's no going back.”
Reina, face flushed to the tips of her ears, shot him a desperate glare before turning to Lyra.
“Lyra. Erase the last five minutes from their memories. Now.”
“Oh, my love, you wound me,” she cooed. “To use my talents for such selfish purposes... But I suppose that’s why I adore you~.”
“Just do it!”
Lyra gave a teasing smile as she leaned in, resting a delicate hand on Reina’s shoulder.
“Lyra don’t you—!!”
Subaru barely had time to register the warning signs before Lyra raised a hand, a soft glow emanating from her fingertips. His vision blurred, his thoughts slowed, and the world seemed to distort for a brief, disorienting moment.
***
When Subaru's vision snapped back into focus, he found himself blinking owlishly at the deck, his hand halfway to his face as if he'd been mid-sentence. He frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion as he turned to Reina, who stood stiffly beside him, looking suspicious.
“...What were we just talking about?” he muttered, rubbing his temple. Something felt off.
Emilia tilted her head, blinking in similar confusion. “I... I don’t really remember. Weren’t we talking about something important?”
Beatrice, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, cast an accusatory glance toward Reina and Lyra. “Something strange happened, in fact. Betty doesn't like it, I suppose.”
Before Beatrice could press further, Subaru’s stomach lurched violently again, and he groaned, clutching his gut as his legs wobbled beneath him.
“Oh no, not again,” he moaned, his face turning a sickly shade of green.
Reina was at his side in an instant, wrapping an arm around his shoulders with a gentle pat on his back. “There, there, little brother. Just focus on me, okay? Deep breaths.”
Subaru barely managed a weak glare. “I swear... if you offer me mayo again... I’ll—”
“Shhh,” Reina cut him off, pulling him closer. “No more words, just let big sis handle everything.”
As Subaru groaned in despair, Reina continued to dote on him, stroking his hair and humming softly.
The ferry swayed gently as the docks grew closer, the journey nearing its merciful end.
***
Chains clinked gently, their rhythmic chime weaving through Priestella's cobblestone streets. The air carried the soft scent of fresh water, mingling with the distant hum of bustling market stalls and the occasional laughter of passersbys.
Yet, amidst the serenity, there was an anomaly—one who did not belong, yet stood patiently, waiting, watching.
“Thank you, my apologies,” she whispered to no one in particular, her voice barely audible beneath the murmur of the crowd. Fingers wrapped tightly around the length of chains that coiled around her wrists like serpents, clinking with every subtle movement. “I have been waiting for so, so long, but it seems I must wait a little longer. How unfortunate. But that’s fine, yes, that’s perfectly fine.”
She stood at the edge of a canal, her head tilted just so, as if listening to a whisper only she could hear. The reflection staring back at her in the water wavered, distorted, shifting with the current. The bandages wrapping her face concealed her expression, but the quiver in her shoulders betrayed something... longing? Frustration?
“Pride, my dear, dear Pride... Why have you not come?” The words escaped her in a breathless sigh, her fingers tightening until the chains bit into her skin. “I called, I reached out, I waited, and yet... silence. Thank you, I’m sorry, I must be patient. But surely, surely you haven’t forgotten him?”
Her body swayed, a gentle, almost musical motion that matched the tempo of her whispering chains. The gospel pressed against her chest remained still, unwavering, and yet... it had been silent. Too silent.
“Ah, I know, I know. I mustn’t be upset. No, no, I must stay calm, stay composed. My apologies, my apologies. But... but it’s so lonely, isn’t it?”
A soft giggle bubbled past her lips, strangled with something dark beneath it.
“He would not want that. No, no, he would want us together. Thank you. I'm sorry. I will not cry.”
Her gaze snapped toward the great tower rising in the distance, where the echoes of city life converged in one grand, chaotic symphony. Was Pride there? Hiding in the throng of people, slipping through the cracks of the city's bustling heart?
No. If she were here, she would have answered by now. And yet... she didn’t.
“Then, it must be true,” she murmured, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. “She has moved on. Just like the others. Just like everyone. But I won’t allow it, no, no, I won’t.”
As though in response to her resolve, a familiar tingle passed through her head, a sensation that crawled under her scalp and slithered down her spine.
Opening the dark tome in her trembling hands, her body shivered as she raised her shrill voice in glee.
“Yes, yes, it's here. It’s finally here!”
Tears welled behind the bandages, soaking into the cloth as she clutched the gospel closer to her chest, feeling the warmth of its words seep into her very bones. The chains coiled around her wrists trembled with her every quivering breath.
“Thank you, I’m sorry. Yes, I understand now. She didn’t abandon him, no, no, not at all. She simply lost her way, poor thing. How could I have doubted her love, even for a moment? My apologies, my deepest apologies.”
She spun on her heels, her body light, as though lifted by the promise scrawled upon the pages before her. The anticipation that had festered within her heart—bubbling, boiling, consuming—finally had an outlet. She would not be ignored. No, no, she would never be ignored.
“My dear, dear Pride, you’ve been waiting for me, haven’t you? And I took so long, oh, I’m sorry, I’m so very sorry. But now I’ll come to you—yes, yes, I will come to you right away!”
Her bandaged hands trembled with glee as she swayed in place, her feet eager to carry her away, away, away from this city that now felt so stifling. Priestella was brimming with love, with life, but none of it mattered—not when her beloved had strayed so far. How lonely she must be, how lost, how desperate!
“—After all, isn't it sad to be alone?”
A sharp gasp escaped her lips, and her head snapped to the side. There, in the dimness of the alley, bound in chains and trembling with wide, tear-soaked eyes, was the little guest she had so graciously taken in. Their cheeks were stained with dirt and fear, their lips trembling around a gag that muffled their pitiful whimpers.
Her heart swelled.
“Ah! My apologies, my apologies!” she sang, stepping towards them with an exaggerated bow, chains clinking in the air like a symphony of regret. “Thank you for waiting so patiently for me. I know I know—it must have been so boring, sitting here all alone while I talked and talked! But don’t worry, you’ll never be alone again. I’ve found the answer! Isn’t that wonderful? Thank you, I’m sorry for making you wait.”
She crouched before them, the smile behind her bandages stretching, her violet eyes glistening with a twisted affection.
“Now, now, no need to cry. Your purpose, your love, your heart, it’s all so very important to me,” she crooned, reaching out with trembling hands to gently brush a stray lock of hair from their tear-streaked face. “Let’s make sure you understand it, too. We’re going to share something very special, after all.”
With a flourish, she rose to her feet, spinning on her heels as the chains in her grip coiled tighter.
“Well then bearer of such pure, untainted love, what is your name? Ah, I am——”